Artsrichmond’s Young Writers Festival hailed young scribes at its annual celebration.

Axel Scheffler, of Gruffalo fame, and local author Anne Sebba were just two of the luminaries present to celebrate the wealth of Richmond's young writing talent.

Ambareen Syed, 17, from Sir William Perkins’ School, took the top honour as Young Laureate at the awards at the Orange Tree Theatre on Sunday, March 3.

Ambareen said: “My sisters and I have been entering Artsrichmond’s competition for years.

"To have been appointed as the borough’s young laureate is very inspiring.”

Jasper Spires, 15, from Christ’s School, got a £100 cheque and became Junior Laureate with his entry entitled, The Prince.

Jasper said: “Meeting Axel Scheffler at the award ceremony was amazing and I am really excited that my entry will be published on Artsrichmond’s website.”

Axel Scheffler then surprised the winners with specially-drawn illustrations inspired by their entries.

Edward Pearson, 10, from St Paul’s, won the Greenwood Cup for entries in school years 5 and 6, with his entry entitled The Mystery of the Giant Eyeball; while eight-year-old Kyra Kerezovic, from Trafalgar Junior School won the Greenwood Cup for entries in year 4 and under, with her poem The Protective Rainbow.

For details, visit artsrichmond.org.uk.